Deadline to Apply for Water Quality Protection Charge Credit is September 30

Residential and commercial property owners who install stormwater management techniques may be eligible to reduce their Water Quality Protection Charge (WQPC) by up to 50 percent. Applications to receive a credit in the 2013 tax year are due by September 30 and by October 31 for the 2014 tax year. Approved credits are valid for three years.

The goal of the credit is to reduce stormwater pollution and the amount of the credit is based on the number of gallons of stormwater diverted. Eligible techniques include rain gardens, dry wells, green roofs, permeable pavement, conservation landscaping, rain barrels/cisterns, dry or wet ponds, sand filters, swales, infiltration trenches and underground stormwater storage. The stormwater management practices must be maintained by the property owner and in accordance with the maintenance requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Stormwater management practices capture and treat rainwater so that the water does not flow directly into storm drains or streams. The techniques remove pollutants, protect public health and prevent flooding, stream damage and erosion. The County’s RainScapes program offers technical and financial assistance (in the form of rebates) to encourage property owners to install stormwater management practices, after which they can then apply for a WQPC credit.